Calgary 
Did you know you can find one of Alberta’s prettiest gardens in the centre of Lethbridge? The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden sits on the west shore of the city’s Henderson Lake and creates a wonderfully peaceful space in the heart of Lethbridge.
The Garden opened in Lethbridge in 1967 as a symbol of international friendship, and as a symbol of Japanese and Canadian Culture coming together. Everything you see in the garden is a piece of art, from the bridges, the stone lanterns, the gates, to several other pieces of décor scattered around the trails.
Take advantage of Nikka Yuko’s summer season for a scenic walk around the beautiful and historic grounds. Or plan your visit around the exciting and educational experiences hosted by Nikka Yuko.
In 2022, the garden is open until October 9th for the summer/fall season. The garden reopens for a magnificent Christmas light display during the holiday season.
Exploring the Gardens & Art
The Nikka Yuko Gardens change with southern Alberta’s seasons, and your experience can vary depending on when you go: spring, summer, or fall. A stunning feature during summer is the amount of green in the garden: from the lush grassy hills to the towering maple trees over the ponds.
As you explore, you’ll come across authentic Japanese art installations, like statues, stone sculptures, and the wooden structures, all made of wood shipped from Japan.
You’ll come across rock gardens as well, with the massive stones all brought to the garden from Canada’s Rockies. This is Nikka Yuko in the summer; if you visit in Spring, the trees will be blooming with flowers, while fall has the stunning red/gold maple trees centre stage.
When: May 19-October 9, 2022
How much: $7-$12.50
Dine in the Garden
What could create a more beautiful picnic setting than a perfectly manicured Japanese Garden? Nikka Yuko allows you to take full picnicking advantage of their grounds with Picnics or Charcuterie in the Garden. Treat someone special to a memorable date or outing with these romantic experiences which can feature Bento Boxes from Mocha Cabana, or the local restaurant’s charcuterie board. Details
When: throughout the summer season
How much: $25-$35
Experience Nodate
Nodate, or outdoor tea, experiences, revolve around a traditional tea ceremony. You’ll take part in this immersive ceremony with tastings of matcha tea, and traditional Japanese sweets. Book your Nodate Experience for small groups, or larger groups of up to 25 people. Details
When: throughout the open season
How much: $25 per person
Yoga & Meditation Classes
Given the calm and peaceful surroundings in the garden, it creates a wonderful place to reflect or meditate. The garden hosts a number of yoga or meditation classes during the summer, including basic yoga classes, and traditional Mikado therapeutic yoga classes. The meditation classes focus only on the mind, rather than body and mind like yoga does, and all of the above can be attended as a drop-in. Details
How much: $15-$27.50
Immerse Completely with the Yukata Dressing Package
A yukata is a traditional Japanese kimono made for more relaxing days and outings. The lightweight gowns are often worn for relaxation activities, like walking through a serene garden. The package allows you to stroll the garden trails in an authentic Yukata, complete with an obi (the belt), with outfits returned at the end of your visit. Details
When: throughout the open season
How much: $30-$40
There’s a company in Calgary that designs, creates, and maintains Japanese Zen Styled Gardens and Landscapes. The name is Ishidoro Zen Gardens Inc.